Bottle feeding offers many benefits. It’s convenient and lets other caregivers bond with your baby, whether you’re using breast milk or formula.

But it also raises questions. Maybe you’re worried about nipple confusion if you’re combining breastfeeding and bottle feeding. Or perhaps you’re concerned about gas and reflux, which can make your baby uncomfortable.

Paced bottle feeding might be the answer. This technique mimics breastfeeding and can help with these issues. It’s suitable for all bottle-fed babies, regardless of what they’re drinking or how often they’re fed.

Below, we explain the idea behind paced feeding and how to get started.

» Practice paced bottle feeding with a USDA-certified formula

Meet the Expert

Sharon, an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and writer, excels in intuitive eating, recipe creation, food photography, and hormone health, guiding individuals towards holistic well-being through mindful nutrition and lifestyle choices.



What is Paced Bottle Feeding?

Paced bottle feeding is all about letting your baby control the process. Instead of rushing through, slow things down to match how breastfeeding works. This can help prevent overfeeding, gas, and nipple confusion.

» Learn how to transition from breastmilk to formula

Paced Bottle Feeding Isn't Just for Breastfed Babies

Paced bottle feeding is beneficial for all bottle-fed babies, whether they're exclusively formula-fed or get it as a supplement to breast milk. It respects your baby's natural feeding rhythm and can help prevent overfeeding, gas, and other feeding issues.

Even if you're breastfeeding, including it can be helpful. It can prevent nipple confusion and help your baby learn to pace their feeding, which can benefit them when they're at the breast.

» Read our definitive guide on baby formula ingredients

Benefits of Paced Bottle Feeding

Paced bottle feeding has many advantages for your baby:

• Teaches them to listen to their body. Babies learn to recognize when they're full, preventing overeating.
• Eases tummy troubles. Slower feeding helps prevent gas and discomfort.
• Promotes healthy growth. By avoiding over or underfeeding, your baby grows at a healthy pace.
• Builds a strong bond. Feeding time becomes a special connection between you and your baby.
• Supports healthy mouth development. Paced feeding helps your baby's mouth and jaw grow strong.
• Helps breastfeeding moms. If you're breastfeeding and bottle feeding, paced feeding can prevent nipple confusion.

» Discover things to do when your baby is refusing the bottle



How to do Paced Bottle Feeding

You can start as soon as you introduce a bottle. Here’s how:

1. Wash your hands, then sterilize the bottle and nipple.
2. Hold your baby upright in your arms. They can be slightly reclined but not flat.
3. Gently touch the nipple to your baby's lips to encourage them to open wide.
4. Keep the bottle horizontal, like a parallel line. As your baby sucks, tilt it slightly to fill the nipple halfway with milk.
5. Let your baby suck and swallow for about 20-30 seconds. Then, lower the bottle to pause the milk flow. Repeat this pattern.
6. Watch for signs your baby is full, like pulling away or slowing down.
7. Alternate which arm you hold your baby in to mimic breastfeeding.

» Help your toddler make the switch from a bottle to a cup

How To Avoid Overfeeding Your Baby

One of the biggest benefits of paced bottle feeding is preventing your baby from overeating milk or formula.

Don't worry about measuring exactly how much your baby eats. Every baby is different, and there's no set amount they should drink each time.

Most feedings take about 10 to 20 minutes, but this can change. Your baby might eat more or less depending on how long it's been since their last meal or if they're growing quickly. Infants might eat less if they're sleepy, while older babies might get distracted.

Instead of measuring, watch for these signs your baby is hungry:

Signs your baby is hungry:

• Turns head looking for food (rooting)
• Makes sucking noises with their lips
• Seems fussy or restless
• Sucks on their fingers or hands

» Transitioning to a cup? Check out the best toddler sippy cups

Your baby is full if they:

• Open their hands
• Slow down their sucking
• Let go of the bottle
• Turn their head away
• Close their mouth
• Lose interest in eating
• Get sleepy or fall asleep

It's normal for babies to fall asleep while feeding or shortly after. This usually means they're full, even if they haven't finished the bottle. But every infant needs to eat often, so it's okay to wake them up to feed them.

» Read our step-by-step guide on supplementing with formula at night



Choosing the Right Bottle for Paced Feeding

You don't need any special gear to start paced bottle feeding. Any bottle you have can work. But you should consider a few things when choosing a bottle:

• Slow-Flow Nipples: Many experts suggest using nipples labeled "slow-flow" because they help control how quickly your baby gets milk.
• Comfort: Choose a bottle that's easy for you to hold.
• Latch: Your baby needs a good latch, just like breastfeeding. Look for a bottle shape that helps your baby open their mouth. Some babies prefer narrow nipples, while others like wider ones.

Remember:

• If your baby struggles to latch or seems upset while feeding, the milk flow might be too slow.
• If your baby is sputtering or choking, the flow might be too fast.
• You might need to try different bottles to find the best fit for your baby.

» Check out the signs you should switch to a soy-free formula

Nourish Your Baby, Respect Their Cues

Paced bottle feeding is all about listening to your baby. It's a gentle way to feed them that lets them control how much they eat. This helps prevent overfeeding and makes them feel more comfortable.

It takes time to get the hang of it, but the benefits for both you and your baby are huge. Every baby is different, so trust your gut and enjoy this special time together.

To get started, pay close attention to when your baby is hungry and full. Also, choose a bottle and nipple that work for you and your baby. With a bit of practice, you'll be a paced feeding pro.

» Start paced bottle feeding using a Clean Label Project certified formula